Archive for July, 2009
Brag Photo: Michael Jordan Motorsports
Posted by: | CommentsAfter showing off the Giant Sidney Crosby, Tiger Art and Yankee Stadium Legacy set we have in the lobby, I figured I would round it out with another unique item we see every day: the Michael Jordan bikes.
These remain stationary in our lobby (no, we can’t take them for a spin), but it was only a few short years ago that they were tearing up tracks as a part of Michael Jordan Motorsports.
Here’s a better view of this fine piece of engineering from another perspective:
These look powerful enough, but it’s the remarkably creative and artistic design work that really makes them stand out:
If these weren’t cool enough, the gas tanks will be signed by Michael Jordan himself in the not-so-distant future, and the bikes will then be made available to the most hardcore collectors: these, my friends, are what you call “high-end items.” Stay tuned to this blog for more information on that. For now, these will remain in the lobby where we get to see them every day.
Popularity: 1% [?]
A Bleacher Creature and Her Card Collection
Posted by: | CommentsHello, my name is Marie and I am a season ticket holder for the Yankees.
That statement has to be the one that gets the craziest looks from most people. One of the things I have learned over the last few years is that people, mainly men, are absolutely amazed that I have season tickets for the Yankees by myself. Women shouldn’t be sports fans, much less have season tickets right? Most people feel the need to go with someone, or they go with their boyfriends and husbands. Yet I have no problem going alone.
Starting around 2005, I began attending Yankee games on an almost daily basis, buying tickets online or from eBay when games were sold out. For the first few games I had tickets in the bleachers, a place I had never sat before. I must admit that I was a little intrigued by some of the antics I remember seeing going on there when I was a kid, which made me want to experience it myself. Besides, my parents would never get tickets out there and told me I should never sit there. Once I was able to drive myself to the stadium, where do you think I sat? You guessed it.
Would you believe me if I said I have not sat anywhere else in Yankee Stadium since then? You should believe me, but I will be honest and say that I was give four tickets eight rows from the dugout one season and couldn’t turn those down. That would be the only exception. During that 2005 season I began to meet people who were “Bleacher Creatures”, or regulars. I learned the roll call, the player taunts, the cheers, chants and even songs that go on out there. That was all it took to get me hooked. I saw roughly 50 games that season, all from the right field bleachers.
I have kept my tickets over the years and moved over to the new stadium despite being very uneasy and unhappy about it. It’s not like the Yankees asked my opinion or would have cared for that matter because if I didn’t keep my tickets, there would always be someone else to buy them. I took a great deal of memories from the old stadium with me: my childhood, playoff games (everyone remembers the bloody sock game), the 2008 Home Run Derby, 2008 All-Star Game and finally, the last game ever at the old Yankee Stadium.
I consider myself very fortunate and lucky to have been able to have seen so many games in the old stadium, and to have been a part of Opening Day in the new stadium as well. While I haven’t attended as many games this season as past years as a result of starting on my graduate work, my loyalty to the Yankees hasn’t wavered. I watch every game on television or listen on the radio if I am not near a television.
Perhaps now would be a good time to tell you all that I am also addicted to baseball cards. While my collection is extremely large, the focus of what I look for is very clear. Normally I don’t build sets because I have more fun working on player collections, but Yankee Stadium Legacy changed that. I used to build sets as a kid and teenager and gave it up to build collections of my favorite players.
When the Yankee Stadium Legacy set was announced many people were too intimidated to try and collect almost 7,000 cards- not me. I am well on my way, with 1,313 cards logged into my collection and a pile sitting here waiting to be accounted for. This is the ultimate Yankees fan set and by far the most comprehensive insert set ever made. There is nothing not to like about the Yankee Stadium Legacy set . . . unless you are a Red Sox fan.
So here is my advice to all the women and young girls out there that have always wondered what it would be like to collect cards: I urge you to buy a pack- you won’t regret it. If you have children, buy a pack and you can “pretend” it’s for them, I won’t tell. There may also be some women out there that already collect and I say kudos to you, and welcome trade offers. Collecting baseball cards or sports cards in general is a great way to bring yourself one step closer to the sport while having some fun. There is nothing better than finding those last two cards to complete a set, or filling the empty slot in your binder with a parallel of a card you have been chasing for months.
Now that you know a little bit more about me and may even think I’m crazy, you should come back and see what I’m working on next. There will be much more about baseball cards and my current mission in my player collections coming soon. I’m looking forward to sharing more about my passion for the Yankees and my drive to complete the Yankee Stadium Legacy Set as well as my player collections right here on UpperDeckblog.com.
Marie co-writes the blog A Cardboard Problem in addition to being a season ticket holder for the Yankees and an all around baseball fan. Marie is an avid card collector and welcomes comments, questions, and e-mails.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Upper Deck Readies Itself for 30th National Sports Collectors Convention
Posted by: | Comments
Just in time to coincide with Major League Baseball’s trading deadline of July 31, the Upper Deck Company is preparing to entertain the masses at this weekend’s National Sports Collectors Convention at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland, Ohio. This year’s event, from July 29 through August 2, marks the 30th running of the nation’s largest sports collectibles and memorabilia show.
“We’re extremely excited to once again have a major presence at the National Sports Collectors Convention,” said Kerri Kauffman, Upper Deck’s director of Marketing. “We anticipate there will be thousands upon thousands of LeBron fans, so we’re prepared to satisfy their collecting pursuits.”
During each public day of the show – from Thursday through Sunday – Upper Deck will conduct its popular foil pack wrapper redemption program starting at 12 noon. Fans who purchase five packs of any 2009 Upper Deck card packs (baseball, basketball, football or hockey products) that carry a suggested retail price of $1.99 or more per pack will receive one of four different 2009 National event-exclusive, six-card sets, while supplies last. Each day there will be a different six-card collection redeemed.
On Thursday, the six-card set will consist of Derek Jeter, Grady Sizemore, Evgeni Malkin, Kobe Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger and Derrick Rose. Friday’s lineup includes Ken Griffey Jr., LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Bob Feller, Alexander Ovechkin and Larry Fitzgerald. Saturday will see Cliff Lee, Gordie Howe, Adrian Peterson, LeBron James, Brady Quinn and Paul Pierce be awarded, while Sunday’s roster will feature Kerry Wood, Sidney Crosby, Joe DiMaggio, Michael Jordan, Mo Williams and Matt Ryan. Note: Card packs must be opened in front of an Upper Deck representative for redeeming purposes.
In addition, Upper Deck’s busy booth workers will be handing out overrun cards every day of the show from three of its more popular brands: MLB First Edition, Draft Edition Football and Heroes Football. What’s more, during Sunday’s “National Kids Day,” Upper Deck will be hosting its Kids Zone (located in the Ferris wheel area) from 12 noon to 2 p.m., where kids can sign up and demo UpperDeckU.com., the company’s new virtual world for kids; play Upper Deck’s “Spin Wheel” game; trade cards; enter raffle drawings and possibly win various prizes including UpperDeckU backpacks, mini jerseys, stickers and more!
And last but certainly not least, Upper Deck will be sponsoring all of the lanyards and credentials for this year’s show attendees by inserting various card samples from its popular NBA MVP and MLB First Edition trading card lines.
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48 Hours to Go
Posted by: | CommentsWe’re only two days away from the MLB trade deadline, and the divide between buyers and sellers has become very clear. A few weeks back, I went over my list of sellers at the deadline for both the National and American Leagues, and those teams are still in the same position. However, there’s one major element to this current market that I didn’t foresee; I had predicted that we would see very little action due to the economic climate, and that teams would be unwilling to take on payroll. This is still the case, but it’s actually created more action and rumors: teams that want to trade for big ticket players are looking to unload other players to clear money first, which is creating a domino effect of trade rumors throughout the league. While I don’t expect much of this to materialize, it does create a heavy feeling of excitement for any fan of a contending team right now. The possibilities are seemingly endless.
Here’s a look at the major players up for grabs over the next two days:
Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee
For the last few weeks, Roy has been the focal point for speculation, and for good reason: he’s one of the best pitchers in the league, and would be a difference maker not just during the regular season, but in the playoffs too. Cliff Lee is coming off a Cy Young year with yet another fine season, and would be an ace for any team as well. Teams that are looking to trade for Halladay are looking at Lee as both leverage and Plan B.
The Phillies still look to be the front runners for Halladay, but Cliff Lee rumors have ramped up in the last day or so. It would be shocking if they didn’t obtain either player: they have the prospects to make it happen, and getting an ace pitcher would go a long way towards a repeat. Not to mention that after the last few weeks of rumors, if the Phillies don’t pick up an ace pitcher, new GM Ruben Amaro Jr. will feel the wrath of Philadelphia fans and the local sports media after setting such high expectations.
The Dodgers have also been linked to both players, though unlike the Phillies, they would probably need to give up a player on their major league roster, like Clayton Kershaw or Chad Billingsley: unlikely to happen. Down the road, the Angels are also looking into both pitchers, but would also need to draw from their 25 man roster to make a deal happen.
The dark horse in this trade, and pretty much every other one, is the Red Sox. Not like they need the help, but they have the prospects to offer (headed by Clay Buccholz), and payroll to spare. Their rotation is crazy good as is, but add Lee or Halladay, and suddenly it looks even better. As for the rival Yankees, it seems that Brian Cashman doesn’t have much of a decision to make after all: the Jays are reportedly asking for both Hughes and Chamberlain, which is a price too steep to pay.
Finally, the Rangers are showing interest in obtaining an ace as well, now that they’re a short distance away from a playoff birth for the first time in years. It sounds like they may need to clear payroll space before making such a deal, which has added to that domino effect I previously mentioned: this means players like Hank Blalock and Vincente Padilla could go on the market, though neither is terribly appealing for the money they’re being paid. I doubt they’ll be able to move either player.
Scott Kazmir
Speaking of domino effect, Kazmir is a perfect example of what happens when a team wants to make a big trade, and has to make yet another big trade first. The Rays are interested in Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee, and have plenty of prospects to deal to obtain them. But with a very limited payroll, they’d need to clear a contract first, and Kazmir would be the best guy to send off: despite having a poor year so far, he’s still young with a track record, and owed $22.5 million over the next two years, with a club option. A pretty good deal for most teams, but a financial roadblock for the Rays.
The Rays are so eager to make a deal that they’ve even been rumored to have Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford available, two other guys who would be moved more for payroll flexibility than anything else- though I sincerely doubt that either would be moved, especially Crawford.
Victor Martinez
Any speculation regarding what the Indians might do at the deadline has been resolved: they’re looking to clear payroll, and it seems that V-Mart, along with Cliff Lee, will be seeing their final days in an Indians uniform. The Red Sox seem like the most compatible team here: even after trading for Adam LaRoche, they could probably use another bat, and would have Martinez at catcher for 2010 as well. As beloved as Varitek is, he’s getting up there in age, and I can’t see the Sox relying on him at age 38 to be their everyday catcher. The Rays would be the other team involved here, as Dioner Navarro is having a very poor season: if enough payroll could be cleared, they could make a blockbuster trade for both Martinez and Lee, though this may not be the best move when you’re four games out of the Wild Card.
Jarrod Washburn
If you don’t want to trade the farm for a shiny new Halladay or Lee, Washburn is a fine way to bolster your rotation. He’s no ace, but solid and reliable, and is having the best season of his career right now at age 34. Just like last year, he’s been rumored with the Yankees, though he’s also looking like a good option for the Brewers, and Plan C for the Phillies. With the Mariners officially in rebuilding mode, Washburn will definitely be wearing another uniform this weekend.
Aaron Harang
Yet another Plan C pitcher, who will be pursued by teams that don’t want to give up the farm, but want to add a reliable starter. Harang throws a ton of innings, and could potentially improve a lot away from Cincinnati’s bandbox of a ballpark.
Adrian Gonzalez
A-Gone’s situation is a case where the business of baseball is likely to interfere with what’s best for the team. The Padres, to put it bluntly, are a mess. The major league roster is obviously in bad shape, and the farm system desperately needs an influx of prospects. Trading Gonzalez in the next 48 hours would net a king’s ransom in young players, but I’m sure ownership is concerned about the impact this would have on ticket sales, and local perception of the team. Casual fans are still stinging from the notorious 1993 fire sale, and a Gonzalez trade would probably be looked at by the general community more as a cheap ownership looking to slash payroll than a genuine effort to rebuild for the future.
That being said, the Padres will come in last place with or without Gonzalez, and should move him now to get the best return possible. The Red Sox, again, seem like the best candidate to trade for him if he becomes available: he fits their philosophy of on-base skills, power and defense like a glove, and the Padres would get back some of the most coveted young players in the game.
Heath Bell
Yet another Padre asset that could be traded for prospects, but certainly a lighter haul than the one Gonzalez would bring. The Angels and Yankees have been connected to Bell, with the latter being fairly intriguing. If the Yankees were to get Bell (or a similar high leverage reliever/closer), they could slot him in the 8th before Mariano Rivera, push Hughes down to the 7th inning, and suddenly have one of the best end game bullpens in baseball. Not a bad idea, especially considering how critical a strong bullpen is to winning in the playoffs.
The next 48 hours will definitely be very interesting, especially for fans of teams that are in contention. Franchises will spend the next two days weighing the risks and rewards of making trades that benefit their present, or long-term future, and what they’ll need to sacrifice to get there.
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Top NFL Off-Season Moves
Posted by: | CommentsToday’s NFL is like the pop music top 40 — it’s always changing. Teams want to win now, and they will fill in whatever pieces they think are necessary to get to the Super Bowl.
This Wall Street-like action makes for interesting headlines in the off-season, but many moves, whether by free agency or trade, just don’t put teams on a direct path to the Super Bowl like they would have hoped. However, some teams come out looking like geniuses (Patriots-Randy Moss, 2007).
Here are some of this off-seasons biggest swaps and signings as the 2009 NFL season starts to take shape. We’ll look at how each move went down and examine who’s most affected (good or bad).
Jay Cutler
From: Broncos
To: Bears
Rewind to three years ago, and Jay Cutler was the third-best quarterback available in one of the most hyped rookie classes in years. Vince Young and Matt Leinart were the coveted future superstars. Since then Cutler has thrown for more yards and touchdowns than Young and Leinart combined. In 2008, his 4,526 yards passing were third most in the league, but his 18 interceptions were second only to Brett Favre’s 22.
Cutler’s ability to rack up fantasy football numbers made him arguably the most attractive commodity this off-season, even though he wasn’t a free agent. Denver’s interest in former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel this off-season was just another jab in Cutler’s mind, and he quickly made it known that he wanted out of the Mile High City. By March, the Broncos decided to cut ties and traded Cutler to Chicago for Kyle Orton and draft picks.
Cutler gives the Bears something they haven’t seen in, well, decades. The team has ridden the QB carousel so much that they’re finally out of quarters. But now, they finally have a big arm to go along with speed at receiver, which could unclog things for second-year running back Matt Forte.
Who’s Affected: Devin Hester (+): Watch for Hester to get even more down-field looks in 2009.
Matt Forte (+): He had more than 1,700 total yards in 2008, but could get that much on rushing alone this season if the passing game spreads the field.
Greg Olsen (+): The big tight end will keep defensive coverage busy in the middle, helping the wideouts on long routes.
Matt Cassel
From: Patriots
To: Chiefs
When Tom Brady shredded his knee in Week 1 last season and was out for the year, it was time for Matt Cassel to do something he hadn’t done since high school: start a football game at quarterback.
Cassel spent his college days at USC behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. Then he entered the NFL and got stuck behind its most successful quarterback of the decade in Brady. But like all players who dream of getting their shot to stand out, Cassel got his. He started 15 games (winning 10 of them), and passed for 3,693 and 21 TDs. The Patriots franchised him after the 2008 season, and the Cassel sweepstakes was underway.
The Chiefs came out on top, trading a second-round pick to the Pats. Cassel joins the NFL’s 20th-worst passing offense, minus Tony Gonzalez, and K.C. has more issues than just a hole at QB. He might find that crossing the goal line is a little tougher without Randy Moss and Wes Welker.
Who’s Affected: Dwayne Bowe (+): He put together his first 1,000-yard season last year and should rack up more yards in 2009.
Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle (-): Once considered for the future behind center, these two will have to watch from the sidelines, but don’t be surprised if they see some meaningful time in 2009.
Albert Haynesworth
From: Titans
To: Redskins
The Tennessee big’n totaled 8.5 sacks and 51 tackles in 2008, making him the most high-profile free agent of the off-season. It’s no surprise that Washington threw the most dollars at Haynesworth — 100 million to be exact.
The Redskins were actually one of the top defenses in the league last season, ranking fourth and sixth in yards and points allowed, respectively. Pass rushing should get even fiercer with Haynesworth, in a division that includes Tony Romo, Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb.
Who’s Affected: London Fletcher (+): Still going strong after 11 seasons, Fletcher should have even more room to roam, as offensive linemen will be tangling with Haynesworth up front.
Carlos Rogers, Fred Smoot and DeAngelo Hall (+): The impressive DB group should be able to jam receivers more if the pass rush up front is giving QBs fits, forcing them to throw quicker.
Terrell Owens
From: Cowboys
To: Bills
A 12-year playoff win drought. A one-for-four December. A chemistry-killing receiver. Those things don’t cut it for Cowboys fans longing for the ’70s and ’90s. The result was Terrell Owens being shown the door. But it didn’t take long for him to find his fourth NFL home.
The Bills picking up T.O. is perhaps more of publicity move than an honest attempt to bolster the offense. Buffalo does need help moving the ball, however, finishing 23rd in points and 22nd in passing yards. Owens will provide another deep threat, but Lee Evans has been that tool. However, Owens can give the Bills something they don’t have — a big, strong pass grabber who will be a great target in the red zone.
Owens still has the talent, but will he let young Trent Edwards lead the offense? Will Lee Evans be cool with sharing catches? Same questions. New team.
Who’s Affected: Trent Edwards (-): Edwards doesn’t have the arm to force the ball to Owens. So, if Owens starts crying for the ball again, and Edwards tries to appease him, watch the INT meter climb.
Lee Evans (+): If Owens can occupy the middle on some plays that allow Evens to streak on the outside, Evans could see more deep-ball catches.
Marshawn Lynch (+): With Evans and Owens keeping everyone busy downfield, Lynch could have a lot more breathing room. Expect his receiving numbers to rise.
Kellen Winslow Jr.
From: Browns
To: Buccaneers
A former top-10 draft pick, Kellen Winslow Jr. was swapped to the Buccaneers for the Browns’ 2009 second-round pick. The athletic tight end played just eight games last season, but put up a 1,000-yard receiving season in 2007. The Buccs got just 397 yards from tight end Jerramy Stevens last year. Winslow provides an experienced target that can stretch the field and move the chains.
Tampa Bay’s quarterback position is a huge question mark. Jeff Garcia is now in Oakland, and the Buccs are left with a gaggle of career back-ups, but someone has to start. This certainly could be bad for Winslow, but a below-average QB’s best friend is a solid, reliable tight end.
Who’s Affected: Whoever Stars at QB (+): It could be a carousel ride in the Buccaneer backfield, but maybe Winslow can establish a connection with one of the QBs.
Antonio Bryant (+): Bryant surprised the team with a 1,200-yard, seven-touchdown season last year. Defenses will be ready in 2009, but perhaps Winslow will draw attention away from Bryant.
Tony Gonzalez
From: Chiefs
To: Falcons
He’s 33 years old and spent 12 years with the Kansas City Chiefs. 2008 was arguably his most productive year, catching 96 passes for 1,058 yards and 10 touchdowns. And he did it catching passes from three different quarterbacks.
After setting the all-time yardage record by a tight end last year, Gonzalez was shipped to Atlanta for a second-round pick. Most players are winding down their careers at this point, but Gonzalez is eyeing a Super Bowl win — just about the only thing he hasn’t accomplished in his career.
He joins 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year Matt Ryan and should give the young QB an effective weapon to go along with receiver Roddy White and runner Michael Turner. Reliable tight ends can be a young QB’s best friend. Gonzalez could be the final piece that allows Atlanta to make a legitimate push for a championship.
Who’s Affected: Matt Ryan (+): Falcons TE Justin Peelle had just 159 yards receiving last season, but Ryan will be able to spread the ball more and make defenses divide coverage.
Roddy White (-): White should still get 1,000 yards, but he may not have as productive of a season like he did in 2008.
Michael Turner (+): Gonzalez is a solid blocker, which will give Turner more confidence running around the end.
With training camps starting up all over the country in the following weeks, fans will be getting a first look at their new stars. Will they help set the team on track for a championship? Or will the preseason anticipation turn into December disappointment? Fans are gitty, and at least they have that for now.
David Lee is a Dallas-based writer, and the former editor of Beckett Football and Beckett Basketball. To see more of his work, visit his website at www.MrWriteMedia.com.
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